Core Refusal Reason
The application was refused due to the applicant's failure to substantiate a genuine rural housing need, the development's adverse visual impact on a sensitive 'Iconic' landscape, and technical deficiencies regarding wastewater treatment and traffic safety.
Decision Maker's Conclusion
- The applicant failed to provide sufficient documentary evidence to demonstrate a genuine rural-generated housing need for a house at this location within a Class 4 Iconic landscape and Gaeltacht area.
- The proposed siting, configuration, and substantial internal access road would result in haphazard development that fails to integrate into the sensitive landscape, detracting from the visual amenity and character of the area.
- The planning authority is not satisfied that safe wastewater disposal can be guaranteed due to the lack of a longitudinal site section, nor that required traffic sightlines can be achieved and maintained, posing risks to public health and road safety.
Cited Policies (CDP)
Policy Objective RH 4Policy Objective RH 5Policy Objective LCM 1Policy Objective LCM 2Policy Objective LCM 3DM Standard 7DM Standard 46Policy Objective RH 9DM Standard 8Policy Objective WW 6DM Standard 38DM Standard 28Policy Objective NNR 2DM Standard 11DM Standard 47
Decision Document Summary
Gerry McGrath sought planning permission for the construction of an earth-sheltered dwelling house and wastewater treatment system on a greenfield site in Clogher, Cong, Co. Galway. The site is located within a designated 'Iconic' landscape (Class 4) and the Gaeltacht, in close proximity to Lough Corrib. Galway County Council refused the proposal on five grounds, primarily citing the lack of a proven rural housing need and the development's failure to assimilate into the highly sensitive landsca...SOURCE PDFOpen Original
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